The Republican from Fond du Lac drafted an amendment that keeps money flowing to states for bike trails, pedestrian improvements and Safe Routes to Schools programs.

In Wisconsin, the transportation department has received more than $6.25 million for such enhancements in 2012, and a total $20.6 million through similar federal grants. The Cannonball Path in Madison, the Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee and bike lanes in Kenosha County are among 60 projects depending on federal dollars.

John Burke, the president of Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycle Corp., called on cyclists to support Petri. He joined the mobilization led by the League of American Bicyclists.

They agreed the pending bill is a huge loss for bicycling.

“It basically eliminates our status and standing in the planning and design of our transportation system—a massive step backwards for individuals, communities and our nation,” League officials wrote. “It’s a step back to a 1950s highway- and auto-only program that makes no sense in the 21st century.”

Burke sent a note to Trek customers urging them to call Petri and other legislators to reverse the move.

“Bicycling and walking are critical to keeping our communities moving with healthy, safe, and accessible transportation options,” Burke wrote. “Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips, but only 1.5 percent of federal funding.

The federal government should not be spending money it does not have on bicycle and recreational paths. First, the federal government has no $$ to spend--more than 40 cents of every dollar the fed. government spends is borrowed. Second, the federal government should not be spending $ on local projects like this even if we had no deficit. If these projects are worth having, local government should pay for it. I am a cyclist and appreciate more and better bike paths, but the federal government should not be in the business of paying for provincial projects like this.

So I can assume you would likewise consider the other 98.5% of the federal transportation budget (mostly automobile-centric) 'provincial' projects as well. If you're concerned about the federal dollars being spent, perhaps you ought to concern yourself with the vast majority of this money and the blank check America has written to oil, automotive & road-building industries?

This is just wrong. I own a very expensive Trek carbon fiber bike and ride thousands of miles a year. Maybe John Burke should be spending some of his millions on propagating his business instead of my hard earned federal tax dollars. I agree with tosa. Foolish spending must stop.

I trust you have both called the Governor's office and expressed your opposition to converting US 41 to an interstate. http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/121132114.html Granted that is state dollars, not federal, but its not like the state is flush with cash either.

Let's also not forget the many JOBS that the cycling industry has brought to WI. Trek is based here, lots of tourism dollars, etc. Don't take my word for it: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/business/econdev/docs/impact-bicycling.pdf

@Eagleminded and jpftosa: I understand your federal vs. local argument but you don't blame the federal government for spending on money on highways in the state. The exact same argument can be made here.

“Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips, but only 1.5 percent of federal funding." This says it all -- government subsidizes fossil fuel dependence far more than it subsidizes pedestrian/cycling infrastructure.

In Madison 6.5% of all work commuting was done by bike last summer. That's 7,000 fewer cars on the roads, less gas used, less damage done to roads, and all due to the foresight to implement a diverse bicycle infrastructure over the past decade and a half. The Southwest Commuter Trail alone registered something like 3,500 users per day, and it was a TE project from.... 1998 (1999?). On a recent ride in December I counted over 60 other cyclists using it on a short ride home from work.

My wife bike-commuted 3,000 miles last year, saving 120 gallons of gas, over $600, and 7,500,000 pounds of pressure put on our local roads. We need MORE spending on alternative forms of transportation, not less.